“Repay no one evil for evil. Have a regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” ( Romans 12:17-19).
When Joseph’s brother quite assured they had dispensed with him, one day out of nowhere, suddenly stood before him, he had a choice. Either to exact revenge or forgive. Once after a botched attempt to murder him only saved by selling him to slave traders ( Genesis 37: 18-34), God had miraculously blessed him to become the second most important official in Egypt after Pharaoh. “Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt” ( Gen 41: 44).
It was now within his powers to order the death of his once tormentors. But after some lingering moments Joseph chose to forgive all!
What happened thereafter shows the power of forgiveness. God would shower even more blessings on Joseph’s life. He served profitably as Premier leaving behind a prosperous community.
Now think for a moment. If Joseph had not forgiven what would have been the consequences? He would have become a prisoner of his once captors being tortured with hate. This would have blocked blessings in his life as he would be tied down with how to inflict pain on his old captors. But by forgiving he freed himself of all that!
When Christ told us to forgive ( Mathew 18:21-22) actually it was for our good! We forgive because if we do not we are the ones who hurt ourselves most. More so, we deny ourselves the blessings that do come from forgiveness!
Of course if you have been hurt, and who hasn’t, forgiveness is a process. But in the end one must dig deep and rise above all the hurt and forgive - for God to release his blessing upon your life!
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, forgiveness helps release blessings upon us, and may I with your power not hold on to the hurt where I have been done wrong, but forgive to experience your full blessings, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
Related upcoming events
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19/05/2024 - 20/05/2024 All day“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its part were many they form one body” (2 Cor 12:12)
In the body of Christ every believer has a gift that contributes to making the church whole. There are those who are gifted at intercessory prayers. Others have been called to a pulpit ministry. Then there are those gifted at leading worship and praises. Some others have the gift of care and empathy. The gifts in the church are indeed endless.
One way to know your gift is being able to reflect on what burdens you most. For example, if you have a great feeling for people who are going through tribulations and need comfort then most probably yours is a gift of empathy and care. There are those with a burden to share the truth and theirs is the gift of teaching the Word.
When God gives us gift he also enables us. For example, one who has been gifted with praising and worshipping by singing would naturally have a way with his tongue. That one gifted with preaching has the talent to move listeners with words. God gives us gifts to build the body of believers.Do you know your gift? If so, how are you using it for the building of the church of Christ?
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray that you enable me use the gifts you have given me for the building of the church,
this I pray in Jesus’ name.
